Meet Chris Green, a third-generation farmer and the proud owner of Havenlee Farms Ltd. Located in Central Bedeque, PEI, the Greens cultivate a diverse range of crops, including potatoes, cereals, and oilseeds.
Chris’ passion for farming stems from his childhood experiences, where he developed a deep appreciation for working the land, operating farm equipment and engaging in the entire food production process. He quickly learned that farming is not merely a profession but a way of life.
“Farmers are stewards of the land. I’m proud to be able to produce safe and nutritious food for everyone to enjoy.”
Chris Green, Havenlee Farms Ltd.
Despite his dedication to farming, Chris acknowledges that there are challenges he faces in his role. To him, the most common obstacles he encounters are obtaining the workforce to maintain his farm’s operations and keeping up with ever-evolving paperwork requirements.
Chris understands the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing to overcome such challenges. As a member of the EPAA and an active participant in research projects, he gains valuable insights on reducing setbacks and promoting change.
“It’s a collective learning curve. If everyone shares what they’ve learned, they can save you time. Before the group, if you wanted to try something different you would have to do it yourself and spend the years figuring out if it even works. We’re learning at a faster pace than ever before.”
Chris Green, Havenlee Farms Ltd.
By having research trials conducted in his fields, the results directly contribute to advancing his farm’s sustainable practices. Chris envisions a future where farming harmonizes with the environment.
“It’s important to keep the nutrients in our fields so they can be reused rather than have more leaching. Soil health is the future of farming.”
Chris Green, Havenlee Farms Ltd.
At Havenlee Farms, Chris and his team are taking concrete steps to enhance their environmental sustainability. For example, they employ cover cropping, implement soil erosion control structures, focus on reduced till practices and utilize soil-building rotation crops. Furthermore, their journey towards adopting the 4R Nutrient Stewardship approach, aiming to optimize fertilizer use while minimizing environmental impacts, is well on its way.
With their hard work and determination, the Greens will continue to adapt to changing times, incorporate sustainable practices, and produce high-quality food for future generations to enjoy.